well, it's not that i don't like Kataxu, but I really can't find something mindblowing about it. The synths are amazing at a first listen, but they become quite boring after a couple of minutes.. same goes for the blastbeats... The guitar work is mediocre too..as for the lyrical themes... :@

The problem with Kataxu is that it's just random cool-sounding passages thrown together, whereas better bands write actual songs.

The greatest keyboard-driven metal album ever is Shade Empire's Sinthetic. It is just an orgasm of synths.

Listen and weep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l86vySywgI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV2vU8RhmzI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MpbhABrV4U

99.9% of keyboards used in bands I do not like. If they absolutely have to be in there, I prefer them for subtle enhancements. Bands like Abigail Williams and Winds Of Plague just overkill that shit.

Russia's Kauan were the first to mind. They have awesome keyboard based music. Anton Belov is a fantastic musician. Multi-dimensional beauty, but the keyboards are immense, adding a symphonic layering which isn't too over-the-top but instead rather subtle.

As one reviewer wrote: "Piano Ballads Backed With Black Metal?!" Which is almost exactly what it is, bar the fact that Kauan insert a lot of folk inspired elements into their music (also with an apparent doom influence too).